Father-to-be Simon Cowell wants to introduce his pregnant girlfriend to his beloved mum Julie in the biggest sign yet he is ready to settle down.

The music mogul is currently enjoying a romantic getaway with Lauren Silverman in the South of France where they were seen sharing a tender kiss.

The loved-up pair are flying back to London later this week with Cowell, 53, telling friends that he is hopeful Lauren will meet his mother Julie, 87.

A pal said: “Simon is staying for a short time in the UK and he really wants Lauren to meet his mum properly.

“Lauren has to go back to the US before Simon so time could be against them on this occasion – but he really hopes there’s a window of opportunity and he has made it a priority.

“It means the world to have his mum’s approval and is delighted about the idea of giving her a grandkid.”

The meeting is especially important following the reported breakdown of relations between Julie and Simon’s ex-fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy.

Cowell’s unauthorised biography by Tom Bower – Sweet Revenge – recalls one evening in 2010 when a furious Mezhgan lashed out at Cowell, in front of his mum. Julie was quoted as saying: “The tension was horrendous. The way Mezhgan behaved made my stomach churn.” After Mezhgan apparently stormed out, Cowell’s mother reportedly said: “Something is wrong here Simon. It’s not what we thought. I was very happy and now I’m not.”

The friend added yesterday: “Simon was mortified that his mother was dragged into the messy final days of his and Mezhgan’s relationship and is determined that this time things will be different.

“Lauren is a lovely girl and Julie will just adore her once she gets to know her properly.”

It is understood 36-year-old Lauren briefly met Julie previously at a party a few years ago in Barbados but they do not know each other.

The source added: “It’s important, therefore, they have the chance to spend some time together as Lauren is set to become a very important person in Simon and her family’s life.”

(Image: Spreadpictures.com)

On Saturday the canoodling couple were all over each other as they lounged beside a pool in St Tropez.

Wearing a sundress on top of a maroon bikini, Lauren affectionately kissed and stroked Cowell’s back as they soaked up the sunshine. Cowell, dressed in a white T-shirt and blue and white shorts, seemingly equally at ease in the arms of his pregnant lover. Yesterday, the pair opted for a romantic stroll along the harbour. This time Lauren donned an elegant, black maternity dress, while Cowell went for another T-shirt.

The couple were all smiles as they had a wander among the designer shops, with Lauren also seen tenderly kissing Cowell’s hand.

On Friday night they left their rented villa for the star-studded L’Escale restaurant on the waterfront where they were seeing laughing and openly kissing.

Despite having a long list of ex-girlfriends, including Sinitta, 49, Terri Seymour, 38, and most recently Mezhgan, 40, Cowell has never been fond of PDAs, public displays of affection. One onlooker said: “Cowell is normally quite discreet when it comes to shows of affection with the women in his life. But on this holiday he’s been quite the opposite.

“He can’t keep his hands off Lauren – and she is equally smitten. For those saying Cowell might have run a mile after she announced she was pregnant, the reverse is true. It seems they’re closer than ever and 110% an item.”

(Image: James Vellacott)

It is the first meeting between the couple since Lauren divorced property developer husband Andrew, 36.

It is rumoured she will receive a £1.3million settlement.

The Mirror revealed Lauren was set to join Cowell in the South of France, despite reports elsewhere she was told to stay away.

A pal said: “They have nothing to hide so why shouldn’t they be seen together. Andrew and Simon have met up and talked things through and everyone is moving on with their lives.”

There is increasing speculation the couple are set to move in together and bring up their baby, thought to be due in January, as a proper family.

It was previously believed that Lauren, who lives in New York with her son Adam, seven, would bring up the baby in a Los Angeles mansion bought by Simon.

But according to reports yesterday, the pair have agreed to live together as a family, moving between Cowell's homes in Los Angeles and London.

Asked if he was prepared for the biggest role of his life, Cowell said: “I’m ready. Very happy and very excited.”